Sally Morgan, Senior Charge Nurse and Jason Graham, Operational Manager from the Renal Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, recently attended a national event at the Scottish Parliament highlighting the mental and social impact of kidney disease.
The event, organised by Kidney Care UK, brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers and people with lived experience to explore the wider challenges faced by people living with kidney disease.
Proceedings were opened by Dame Jackie Baillie MSP and Fiona Loud, Director of Policy at Kidney Care UK, who both highlighted the importance of recognising the psychological and social pressures that can accompany long-term kidney conditions.
Throughout the event, speakers delivered a series of presentations focused on the support available to patients beyond clinical treatment. This included insights into the vital role of renal social work services and specialist psychiatric support for kidney patients, emphasising the need for holistic care that addresses both physical and mental wellbeing.
The programme also featured powerful lived experience contributions, including reflections from Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, alongside perspectives from paediatric and adult psychiatric health professionals who work closely with renal patients.
